Chinese Cresteds are as unique in their grooming needs as they are in their appearance. This breed comes in two varieties: the hairless, which has soft fur only on the head, tail, and paws, and the downy, which boasts a full coat of fine hair. Both types require certain care procedures to maintain their characteristic appearance and ensure healthy skin and coat. In this article, we will look at how often and how best to groom both varieties of Chinese crested dog.
1. The unique wool of the Chinese Crested
Understanding the unique coat of the Chinese Crested is the first step in caring for it. The Hairless variety needs frequent grooming to prevent dryness and oiliness, while the Powderpuff variety needs regular brushing to avoid tangles and tangling of the soft, fine hair.
2. Care of the naked Chinese Crested
Hairless Chinese Crested should be bathed once a week to keep their skin clean and healthy, using a gentle dog shampoo. Moisturizing is also an important part of the care process with a hypoallergenic, non-comedogenic lotion or oil applied to keep skin supple and prevent dryness.
3. Care of the Chinese crested powder
The Powderpuff breed requires brushing several times a week with a soft-bristled brush or bobby pin to prevent mats and keep the coat fluffy. Bathing a Powderpuff may be less frequent than a hairless type dog, usually every few weeks unless the dog gets dirty.
4. Caring for the nails of the Chinese Crested
Regular nail trimming is essential for the Chinese Crested, usually every 3-4 weeks. Ingrown toenails can be uncomfortable and can cause problems with walking or running.
5. Dental hygiene for the Chinese Crested
Both varieties of Chinese Crested can be prone to dental problems, making dental hygiene especially important. Teeth should be brushed several times a week, and professional teeth cleaning may be needed more often than other breeds.
6. Ear care: a daily necessity
It is recommended that the Chinese Crested have their ears checked and cleaned weekly. Use a vet-approved ear cleaner and gently wipe the ears to prevent sulfur build-up and infections.
7. Hairless skin care
The skin of a naked Chinese Crested can be prone to pimples, acne and sunburn. Regular cleaning along with using sunscreen outdoors can help manage these problems.
8. Powderpuff full coat management
Regular grooming sessions to brush and detangle the Powderpuff’s coat are crucial. During the shedding season, daily brushing may be necessary to manage the increased shedding and prevent mats.
9. The importance of health care
Grooming sessions are an opportunity to check for any health problems, including skin problems in the hairless variety or hidden problems under the Powderpuff’s coat.
10. Tools for caring for Chinese crested dogs
A Chinese Crested grooming kit should include a soft-bristled brush, pin brush, fine-toothed comb, nail clippers or sander, dog sunscreen, gentle dog shampoo, and a non-comedogenic moisturizer.
11. Addressing seasonal changes in care
Grooming needs for the Chinese Crested can vary depending on the season, with more attention being paid to skin care during the hot summer months and coat care during the colder months for the Powderpuff variety.
12. Professional care: when to seek help
While most grooming can be done at home, professional groomers can help with difficult tasks like nail trimming, ear cleaning, or if your dog needs a specific haircut.
Conclusion
Regular grooming is essential for the health and well-being of your Chinese Crested, whether hairless or down. By maintaining a consistent grooming schedule and meeting the unique needs of their skin and coat, you can keep your Chinese Crested looking and feeling great. Grooming not only helps maintain their impressive appearance, but also strengthens the bond between you and your pet.
Frequently asked questions about the care of the Chinese Crested
1. How often should I bathe my Chinese Crested?
Hairless Chinese Cresteds usually need to be bathed weekly to keep their skin clean and healthy, while Puffers can be bathed every 4-6 weeks. It is important to use a gentle, moisturizing dog shampoo for both breeds to prevent skin irritation and maintain a healthy coat.
2. What skin care does the Chinese crested hairless need?
Hairless Chinese Crested’s skin should be moisturized regularly with a hypoallergenic, non-comedogenic lotion or oil to prevent dryness. In addition, sunscreen should be applied to the skin before going outside to protect them from sunburn. Watch for signs of irritation, acne, or blackheads on their skin that may require special treatment or changes in their skin care regimen.
3. How can I minimize the shedding of my Chinese Crested Pomeranian?
To minimize shedding in your Powder Chinese Crested, brush her coat several times a week with a bobby pin or a soft-bristled brush. This will help remove loose hair and prevent matting. A healthy diet rich in omega fatty acids can also promote a healthy coat and minimize shedding.
4. How to care for the coat of my Chinese Crested?
For Puderpuffs, use a soft-bristled brush or pin to gently brush the fur, removing any tangles and mats. For hairless Chinese Cresteds, regular baths and hydration are key; their few patches of hair can be gently combed with a soft brush.
5. How often should I trim my Chinese Crested’s nails?
You should trim your Chinese Crested’s nails every 3-4 weeks. Regular walking on hard surfaces can help keep nails naturally short, but they should still be checked and trimmed regularly to avoid overgrowth and discomfort.
6. What dental care do Chinese Cresteds need?
Chinese Cresteds, especially hairless ones, are prone to dental problems, so it is important to brush their teeth with dog toothpaste and a toothbrush several times a week. Regular check-ups with a veterinarian are also recommended to maintain dental health.
7. How to clean the ears of a Chinese Crested?
Clean the ears with a Chinese crested soft cloth or cotton ball and a vet-approved ear cleaning solution. Gently wipe the outer ear and the entrance to the ear canal, avoiding deep insertion into the ear canal to prevent sulfur build-up and infections.
8. Can I use human moisturizers on my hairless Chinese Crested?
You should avoid using human moisturizers on your hairless Chinese Crested as they may contain ingredients that are harmful or too harsh for their sensitive skin. Always use dog skin care products designed for dogs or recommended by your veterinarian.
9. How should I care if my Chinese Crested is anxious?
For an anxious Chinese Crested, make grooming a positive experience by providing treats and praise. Start with short grooming sessions and gradually increase the duration as they become more comfortable. Using calm, soothing strokes and a gentle voice can also help calm their anxiety.
10. Do Chinese Cresteds need professional grooming?
While Chinese Cresteds can be groomed at home, some owners may opt for a professional groomer to trim their claws, clean their ears, or style their Powderpuff’s coat. Professional groomers also know how to handle the unique grooming needs and potential skin care challenges of hairless dogs.
